I have a Vortex SS which I've had for about a month. I've run at least 2 gallons of fuel through (20%), and now I'm wondering if the motor is worn out. I can start it fine, but as soon as I get it warmed up it bogs and eventually stops. I've tried to richen it, does the same thing. I talked to Tech support, the person said they can last between 2 to 6 gallons, I'm just wondering what others experience is. I'm also wondering if there are better engines that might cost more but will last a lot longer.

It just depends how you took care of it. Crashes, spills and high speeds; lower life. Not many crashes, spills and high speeds; longer. And if it was covered in dirt or was not cleaned, it would shorten it.

I have a Vortex SS which I've had for about a month. I've run at least 2 gallons of fuel through (20%), and now I'm wondering if the motor is worn out. I can start it fine, but as soon as I get it warmed up it bogs and eventually stops. I've tried to richen it, does the same thing. I talked to Tech support, the person said they can last between 2 to 6 gallons, I'm just wondering what others experience is. I'm also wondering if there are better engines that might cost more but will last a lot longer.

Thanks In advance.

It does sound like what your describing as a worn out engine. SH engines last as good as any, just depends on how you tune them. If you only made it through two gallons, you may have been running a little too lean.

If you have richened the engine and it still stalls and wont start when getting warm then its shot, engine life goes by how it has been run, if its been run hot and lean it wont last very long at all, if you run it a little rich and keep the temps to around 220 to 250 it can last a very long time, i have car engines that are over 20 years old with many gallons thru them and they still run fine. The sh is a good engine, well built and will last a long time if its properly taken care of, a clean and well oiled air filter will also keep you engine running a long time.

To anyone that purchases a RC thru my store, I advise minimum 6-10 tanks break in. I have a friend who builds race motors, mostly .21s and his advice is at least that and then some.

The key to any nitro motor is HEATand how much. Allowing proper cooling and not leaning it out to ridiculous is important. They are simple motors, Run them, let them heat up, then allow them to cool. IFyou continue to run them HOT and or don't take the time to break them in, you'll get bit.

2 Gal. seems unlikely, however if you rushed the breakin, it could be a sign of a wearing motor.

A simple test is to turn the motor by hand w/ a glow plug installed. once you do it and you feel pressure, making sure its on the bottom of the crank after the rotation. THEN remove the glow plug and spin it again, you should feel the same or close to the same compression. IFYOUDON'T, your motor has had it.

K, 2 gallons? don't sound right. Unless you ran super lean for most of that time. You may have lost the pinch. Easy fix, then fatten up your mixture. I have a Back draft 3.5 with 4 gallons through it. Has as much power now as it did when new.[8D]